“Cape Fear Fish Sticks” to change team name following copyright issue
LELAND, N.C. (WWAY) — Brunswick County’s newest baseball team will still debut this May in The Old North State League, but with a different identity than previously thought.
The team announced their name as the “Cape Fear Fish Sticks” on November 17. However, copyright issues with the “Fish Sticks” name were brought to the attention of team executives.
Owner Rob Good told WWAY Monday that they do not feel it is worth fighting the copyright dispute. Good would not share what entities rose the issue, but said changing the team name and logo will resolve the matter.
The “Fish Sticks” name came from a submission contest. Management then chose one of those submitted names. This time around, the community will get to vote from five finalists. Those choices will be announced later this week and the team will announce the winning name a few weeks after that as they begin their rebranding process.
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
General Manager Tom Lamont says this new level of engagement will benefit the team and the fans.
“This renaming of the team gives the community and Leland and Brunswick county a chance to be a part of the naming of their team,” Lamont said. “We’re excited about that opportunity and providing them with a chance to come up with some great names and help us to pick the brand that we’ll move forward with this summer.”
Lamont added that regardless of the team’s new name, they will still be branded as “Cape Fear” as opposed to Leland or Brunswick County.
Those who already purchased Cape Fear Fish Sticks merchandise will be allowed to exchange it for gear donning the team’s new name and logo at home games this season. They will play at North Brunswick High School in 2026.
